If we turn our heads and allow abuse to continue, pretend it never happens, or excuse it, we may later find ourselves the victim of such abuse. How many must be hurt before it is addressed and seen for what it is?
Please keep in mind that it is not joining a group or church that saves or delivers from things which are wrong in your life.
It is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone.
Do not give any organization, church, fellowship, or person the praise and glory that belongs only to God.
"Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example."
People who are theologically rigid are the very opposite of what God's Word encourages leaders to be. They see themselves as being very spiritual and good Christians.
The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves in the same light.
The fact is that people who are theologically rigid are not spiritual at all. They are theologically rigid because they are emotionally rigid. And they are emotionally rigid because they are living in denial—denying their insecurities and inner unresolved painful issues. Some are very angry. Others are control freaks. Some are both.
Furthermore,theologically rigid people who become leaders in the church (or in politics or any other area) do great damage to people both psychologically and spiritually. They keep people immature, over-dependent, and in denial just as they themselves are.
They, like the Pharisees, love their rules more than they love people.
They use people to fulfill their own manipulative purposes.
They are legalists who demand that others conform to their unrealistic expectations and, if they refuse to do so, they will be rejected—in some religious and political environments they can be totally ostracized and/or even killed.
God's word describes people who fall back into legalism as being bewitched.
Remember though; they only control us if we allow them to.
In some extreme cultures one may be forced to be controlled outwardly or be killed but it is important that, with God's help, one keeps control of his or her mind and beliefs.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from the trap and curse of theological rigidity and legalism and give me the insight to recognize it whenever it appears. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.
Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
ACTS International
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"For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers
of evil!"
WHEN WE LOOK AT MANKIND, THERE ARE ONLY A FEW WHO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW JESUS. I AM LOOKING AT TOTAL POPULATIONS HERE, NOT ANY PARTICULAR GROUPS.
CHRISTIANS ARE DEFINITELY IN THE MINORITY WORLDWIDE.
While in the 2x2 church, these verses C_ _ _ mentioned were taught to us that WE WERE THE FEW; we were TAUGHT that those in the "false churches" (Christian churches) were hell bound. I have even heard the workers say these words: "PEOPLE WOULD BE BETTER OFF TO HAVE NOTHING (meaning religious relationship/experiences) THAN TO GO TO CHURCHES". They encouraged 2x2 to NOT associate with people that go to churches. It is no different today - I am very aware of this same "we are it" attitude every time I go to a meeting. By the way, I go to a few every year because the meeting is in my parent's home and when visiting there, we are in the meeting.
Posted on the Two-by-Two List on September 3rd, 2004
